Phoenix Deer Valley Airport - Spotting Guide

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport – Spotting Guide

March 5, 2023 - last modified on November 30, 2023

The Phoenix Deer Valley Airport is a one-of-a-kind gem located in the Valley of the Sun in Arizona. This airport is known as one of the busiest class Delta airports in the United States, and it has very much earned that title. Averaging 1102 operations daily, Deer Valley is home to aircraft of all types, ranging from small-light sport aircraft, GA aircraft, Historic Military aircraft all the way up to an Embraer E170 in some cases. There are an estimated 920 aircraft based at Deer Valley on the various ramps and stored in Hangars. On an average day, you can expect to see many student pilots working the pattern, helicopters from the Phoenix PD, AZ DPS, and MCSO doing operations, and Medical Helicopters coming out for fuel. You never know what you might see at Deer Valley.

Deer Valley was originally opened in September of 1959 and started operations in early 1960. In 1959, the City of Phoenix purchased the airfield and “installed” the first portable ATCT on site. In 1975, a new terminal was constructed, and the FAA began directing air traffic. Today, Deer Valley Airport serves to relieve air traffic from Sky Harbor. As such, the Airport can accommodate all segments of civil aviation except commercial passenger service. The Airport encompasses approximately 914 acres of property and is located 15 miles north of downtown Phoenix near the intersection of Interstate 17 and Loop 101. South-side access is from Deer Valley Road. North-side access is via Airport Road and Seventh Street.

Written by Jake Youngs. Last Update: December 2022

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
07L/25R	4500 x 75 ft. / 1372 x 23 m, Asphalt.
07R/25L	8196 x 100 ft. / 2498 x 30 m, Asphalt.
Terminals
Main Passenger Terminal	Located at spot number 1 on the map, this is the main location you will see passengers & pilots fly in and out of. No TSA or CBP within this airport. You can find restrooms, drinking fountains, and vending machines inside the terminal; however, the restaurant was closed down in 2020.
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder is recommended for spots 2, 3, and possibly 7, depending on the angle you use. To avoid an issue with OPS, please keep the ladder a foot away from the fence. Depending on whether or not you can hold a camera above the fence, a ladder may not be necessary.
Car/Public Transport	Having a car is preferred for the easiest access to all spots; however, multiple bus stops are available in the vicinity, and you can walk to the spots from there.
Drinks/Food	All spots have easy access to food from nearby restaurants. Spot 1 has a drinking fountain and a few vending machines inside of the terminal.
Hotels	The nearest hotel is the Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North, located at 21636 N 26th Avenue.
Season	All spots are usable all year round. Be aware that winter is most likely your best bet temperature and weather-wise, but also it helps with the variety of planes you’ll see.
Security	Security is not an issue at Deer Valley. There is nothing out of the ordinary to be concerned about.
Runway Usage
07L/25R	Generally can be seen being used by aircraft working the pattern, and most of the arrivals parking on the north side.
07R/25L	Generally can be seen being used by aircraft working the pattern, most of the arrivals parking on the south side, and aircraft departing from the FBO. Helicopters will depart directly from the helipads on the ramp near the terminal unless they’re based elsewhere in the airport.

	Spot #1 – Airport Terminal & Designated Spotter Deck
WHERE	Upstairs & ground level spotting areas. The areas are easily accessible through the terminal. Walk in the front door, through the terminal, and directly out the back door to access the ground-level deck. Follow the concrete pathway around to the right, and you will find the staircase to the upstairs balcony.

WHAT	The transient ramp, both runways, and various other locations are visible and photographable from this spot. Almost all aircraft movements on the ground can be seen from this spot, and all departures/arrivals.

TIME	Depends a bit on the angle of the parked aircraft but for runway/taxiway you can be there the whole day because the sun is behind you. Only in the summer you get backlit pictures in the evening.

MISC.	The airport has speakers on the upstairs spotting balcony connected to both tower and ground frequencies, and they are turned on 24/7.

FOCAL LENGTH	T-33=600mm. MCSO & Guardian Air Helicopter= 250mm. Erickson S76= 127mm.

	Spot #2 – Cutter Aviation – West Ramp
WHERE	Western fenceline wrapping around the Cutter ramp to the west public parking lot. It can be reached via Deer Valley Airport Service Rd from the Terminal. Just park there and walk along the fence.

WHAT	Mostly static ramp pictures, jets, misc GA aircraft, and helicopters.

TIME	This spot is usable at any time of the day for the static stuff; just make adjustments according to where the sun is.

MISC.	Caution: Cutter has new hangars being built currently (12/22), and part of this spot can be inaccessible due to construction. A ladder may be required for this spot due to the high fence.

FOCAL LENGTH	N700YB = 70mm. N812SH = 111mm. N603AC = 96mm.

	Spot #3 – Aeroguard – East Ramp
WHERE	Eastern fenceline wrapping around the Aeroguard ramp to the east public parking lot. It can be reached via Deer Valley Airport Service Rd from the Terminal. Just park there and walk along the fence.

WHAT	Mostly you will find Aeroguard aircraft based at this spot, but other static ramp shots are available. This spot has good access to any activity on the runways and some taxiway shots. This spot is great for seeing helicopters arrive and depart from the helipads directly in front of the fence.

TIME	This spot is usable at any time of the day for the static stuff; just make adjustments according to where the sun is.

MISC.	A ladder may be required for this spot due to the high fence.

FOCAL LENGTH	N500LY = 70mm. N814CP = 45mm. N4143A = 100mm. NX4322N = 158MM.

	Spot #4 – The Tav – 7L/R Arrivals
WHERE	The spot is located at The Tav at 22034 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. The concept with this spot is that you park at The Tav, and then you can walk along the sidewalk 19th Avenue to position yourself where you see fit to capture what you want. Alternatively, if the parking lot at The Tav is full, parking on W Adobe Drive or the Circle K just to the south may also be a good option for you.

WHAT	This spot is best suited for capturing aircraft on short final for the 7L/R runways, but can also be used for the 25L/R departures, aircraft are just usually pretty high for departures.

TIME	You can be there the whole day because the sun is behind you. Only in the summer get evenings go to the north side to avoid backlit photos.

MISC.	Be cautious of traffic on 19th Avenue and Deer Valley Road as well. There is a high volume of traffic which could pose a potential safety hazard.

FOCAL LENGTH	B29 = 150mm.

	Spot #5 – Northwest Industrial – DPS Helictopers and Off-site Taxiway
WHERE	The commercial complex is off of the Northwest corner of the airport. The cul-de-sac at the north end of 18th Avenue (5A) provides an optimal viewing spot to watch DPS helicopters arrive and depart. A taxiway at the corner of Williams Drive and 15th Avenue (5B) is used for aircraft to cross over from the main airport to the industrial complex.

WHAT	Arizona DPS helicopters, aircraft in/at various hangars for MX and overhauls. All smaller aircraft, but you can see stuff as large as a Dassault Falcon in some cases.

TIME	This spot is usable at any time of the day; make adjustments according to where the sun is.

MISC.	Nothing special. More or less a short stay location.

FOCAL LENGTH	N911AZ – 135mm. N56AZ in flight – 70mm. N4744C – 200mm.